Egypt's supply minister announces gradual shift to cash commodity subsidies

Supply Minister Sherif Farouk said Egypt will move gradually from in-kind to cash commodity subsidies, letting citizens choose goods while preserving support for the poorest.

• Farouk confirmed the ongoing data-cleaning of subsidy cards will exclude ineligible holders without affecting first-priority families.
• Farouk said the cash-support shift will give citizens flexibility to select goods while keeping subsidies directed to food purposes.
• Farouk said price changes will be considered in developing the subsidy mechanism to preserve its real value.
• Farouk said the ministry launched the "Carry On" system with ration shops to manage goods availability and strategic stock supply.
• Farouk said strategic reserves cover about six months for most commodities at the Egypt 2026 forum.
• Farouk said Egypt is diversifying import sources away from Black Sea conflict zones toward France and Bulgaria.
• President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi directed studying increased allocations for the ministry and a pilot cash subsidy system in one governorate.
• Farouk said the distribution network comprises about 30,000 supply shops, 8,000 Gamety outlets, 1,060 consumer complexes, 267 mobile units and 158 mills.
• The ministry said the 'Carry On' project will expand one-day and permanent markets alongside modernizing retail outlets.
• Farouk said the subsidy system serves 64.5 million bread beneficiaries and 57.5 million people receiving subsidized goods.